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NBA Trade Deadline: The trade each team must make

By Michael Dunlap

May 15, 2013; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Reggie Jackson (15) and center Kendrick Perkins (5) watch the game against the Memphis Grizzlies from the bench during the second half of game five of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. The Grizzlies defeated the Thunder 88-84. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
May 15, 2013; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Reggie Jackson (15) and center Kendrick Perkins (5) watch the game against the Memphis Grizzlies from the bench during the second half of game five of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. The Grizzlies defeated the Thunder 88-84. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 25, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mo Williams (25) yells at a teammate against the Atlanta Hawks in the second quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 25, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mo Williams (25) yells at a teammate against the Atlanta Hawks in the second quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

King James Gospel (Cleveland Cavaliers)

Cleveland sends Brendan Haywood, James Jones, Draft Pick to Minnesota for Mo Williams

Reasons Cavs Make the Deal

The Cleveland Cavaliers don’t have a backup point guard who can score with the second unit. Williams can provide great scoring off the bench, something Matthew Dellavedova is gifted at. Williams has a history with LeBron James and the Cavs, can knock down open 3 pointers (38% for his career) and will have a chip on his shoulder after struggling in the playoffs the last time with the Cavs.

Reasons Cavs Wouldn’t Make the Deal

For more Cleveland Cavaliers, head over to KingJamesGospel.com!
For more Cleveland Cavaliers, head over to KingJamesGospel.com! /

Williams struggled mightily both on defense and in the pressure of the playoffs in his last stint with the Cavs. With age his defense has gotten worse. There is hope that he could overcome his past playoff issues but returning to the Cavs could put more pressure on him. The Cavs also would be spending their last two trade chips (Haywood, 2nd round pick) on a player who wouldn’t get many minutes.

Finding the second player to make the deal work is also difficult. Jones is a friend of LeBron, Dellavedova provides gritty defense and an improved jumper in the backcourt and Joe Harris is a young shooter that the team will need for years to come.

Reasons Timberwolves Make the Deal

The T-Wolves are not going anywhere and having Mo Williams on their team is not going to change that one bit. Williams takes time on the court that will go to younger players as they learn to develop. Getting Haywood’s unique contract, non-guaranteed next year for over $10 million, could give them a chance to add talent for free next year via trades. The 2nd round pick has some unique protections but is another asset while Jones would be bought out.

Reasons Timberwolves Wouldn’t Make the Deal

The T-Wolves could believe they could get something better for Williams or could decide to hold on to him to give a veteran presence that they currently are missing. The 2nd round pick doesn’t provide a ton of value and they are not certain to acquire anyone with Haywood’s deal in the off-season.

Should the Deal Happen?

For the Cleveland Cavaliers this is a deal they can make right at the NBA Trade Deadline. They do not need to rush it and may decide to move forward without making a deal. Williams, for all his offensive help, could hurt them defensively. Worst case scenario for the Cavs is that they just cut Haywood next season.

They can then fill their empty roster spot by signing any one of the free agents that have been linked to them: Ray Allen, Jordan Farmer or Samuel Dalembert. The two for one deal would still allow them to sign one of these players, likely Dalembert or another center type, as well.

Next: Indiana gets a veteran point guard

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